Busan Travel Guide 2026: Haeundae Beach & Best Attractions

Hi, I’m Phan The Anh, a travel blogger with a passion for discovering new destinations. If there’s one city that absolutely belongs on your South Korea itinerary, it’s Busan. Today I’m sharing my complete travel guide to Busan, with a special focus on the legendary Haeundae Beach.

Getting to Busan

From Vietnam, you can easily fly to Busan via Gimhae International Airport (PUS) — the city’s main gateway. Several airlines operate direct or connecting flights from major Vietnamese cities including Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Once in Busan, getting around is simple thanks to an excellent public transport network:

• Subway: The most efficient way to travel — Busan’s metro covers virtually the entire city, connecting the airport, Busan Station, and all major tourist attractions.
• Bus: Busan’s bus network is comprehensive and reaches areas the subway doesn’t serve.
• Taxi: Readily available and reasonably priced — use Kakao Taxi app for English-language bookings.

Haeundae Beach – The Icon of Busan

Haeundae Beach is not just famous among Koreans — it’s one of the most visited beaches by international tourists in all of Asia. The beach captivates visitors with its pristine white sand, crystal-clear water, and vibrant year-round atmosphere.

Getting to Haeundae: Take Subway Line 2 (Green Line) to Haeundae Station (해운대역). From the station, it’s a 5–10 minute walk to the beach.

• Summer (July–August): Haeundae transforms into Korea’s biggest beach party — thousands of visitors swim, surf, and enjoy water sports along the 1.5 km stretch of sand.
• Winter: A completely different, more peaceful atmosphere — perfect for romantic sunset walks and contemplative seaside strolls.

A unique highlight at Haeundae is the Haeundae Blueline Park — a sky rail that runs along the coastline, offering stunning aerial views of the beach and ocean below.

Adjacent to Haeundae Beach is Dongbaekseom Island, home to some of the area’s most romantic landmarks:

• Dongbaekseom Lighthouse: A charming little lighthouse that’s one of Busan’s most popular photo spots
• Hwangok Mermaid Statue: Connected to a legend about a princess from the Kingdom of Narat — a romantic symbol of Haeundae Bay

Haeundae on Screen: Famous Films Shot Here

Haeundae’s unique beauty has made it the backdrop for several iconic Korean films and dramas:

• Haeundae (2009): The blockbuster disaster film that introduced this beach to global audiences
• My Sassy Girl (2001): The classic Korean romantic comedy features memorable scenes shot in Busan
• The Spy Gone North (2018): The acclaimed spy thriller includes sequences filmed at Haeundae

More Top Busan Attractions

Gamcheon Culture Village

Often called the “Machu Picchu of Busan” or the “Santorini of Asia,” Gamcheon Culture Village is a breathtaking maze of colorful houses cascading down a hillside. Originally a refugee settlement, it was transformed by local artists into a vibrant open-air gallery filled with murals, sculptures, cozy cafés, and boutique shops. One of the most photogenic spots in all of Korea.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

This extraordinary Buddhist temple perched dramatically on coastal cliffs is unique in all of Korea — it’s one of the very few temples built directly by the sea. The combination of ancient religious architecture and crashing ocean waves makes it one of the country’s most spectacular photo locations. Best visited early morning to avoid crowds.

Jagalchi Fish Market

Korea’s largest seafood market is a must-visit for food lovers. Browse rows of stalls overflowing with fresh catches, then have your selection prepared on the spot. Service and sauce fees run approximately 4,000–10,000 KRW per person depending on the dish.

BIFF Square

Named after the Busan International Film Festival, BIFF Square is the beating heart of Korea’s film culture. Lined with handprints of famous directors and actors, it’s surrounded by cinemas, street food stalls, and a year-round lively atmosphere.

Korea 2026 Travel Tips

• e-Arrival Card: Mandatory for all foreign visitors from January 1, 2026 — complete at www.e-arrivalcard.go.kr
• T-Money card: Get one at the airport for subway, bus, and taxi payments
• Best time to visit Busan: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (Sept–Nov) for the best weather; Summer for beach activities
• Naver Maps is far superior to Google Maps for navigating Korea

Busan is so much more than Haeundae — every neighbourhood reveals something new and memorable. I hope this guide helps make your Busan adventure truly unforgettable!